Ch-04 Gradungr.

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Ika, wielding the formidable power of his Sharingan, meticulously surveyed the condition of his comrades. A palpable wave of relief washed over him as he discerned that none of his fellow teammates had succumbed to death or sustained severe injuries. Yet, as the reality of their precarious state unfolded before him, a surge of anger contorted Ika's visage. It became increasingly evident to him that, at the very least, his comrades had few of their bones fractured.

In a resolute tone, Ika proclaimed, "Old man, whoever you may be, I shall not permit you to escape unscathed." Simultaneously, his hands seamlessly weaved through intricate seals, culminating in the manifestation of the renowned Uchiha Clan's signature ninjutsu, the 'Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.'

Kratos, upon witnessing the colossal inferno, boasting a diameter nearly equivalent to his towering stature, retained an unwavering countenance. With an exertion of immense force, he forcefully kicked the ground, fracturing it into shards that ascended around him. In a swift and calculated motion, Kratos then kicked these substantial fragments toward the oncoming fiery projectile, intercepting its path.

As the gargantuan fireball collided with the substantial fragments of the shattered ground, a spectacular eruption ensued, causing the fiery mass to disintegrate instantly. However, owing to the formidable impact of the fireball, the initial ground fragments that made direct contact with it swiftly descended to the earth, their forward momentum abruptly halted. In stark contrast, the subsequent ground components, positioned strategically behind their fallen counterparts, surged forward with a velocity almost mirroring that of a speeding bullet, forging ahead undeterred.

Reflecting on events just a few minutes prior, Ika, in the execution of the 'Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique,' keenly observed Kratos refraining from the deployment of any jutsu. Notably absent were the intricate hand seals typically associated with ninja techniques. This discovery elicited a surge of elation within Ika, as it signified a vulnerability on Kratos's part. It seemed increasingly likely that Kratos would be ill-equipped to defend against the impending fireball. The prospect of Kratos not only being impacted by the fireball but also sustaining serious injuries in the process seemed imminent.

In the midst of reveling in his happiness, an unexpected tremor reverberated through the ground surrounding Uchiha Ika. This unforeseen disturbance prompted an immediate and stark transformation in his countenance. The joy that had adorned his face moments ago rapidly shifted to concern, and he struggled to maintain his equilibrium. The abrupt interruption occurred just as the fireball, initially advancing majestically toward Kratos, detonated prematurely and dissipated into nothingness.

A bewildered "What!?" escaped Ika's lips as he grappled with the shock of this sudden turn of events. It was in this moment of confusion that the ground pieces, forcefully propelled by Kratos's earlier kick, became starkly visible to Ika.

Despite Ika's recent attempts to regain stability, he found himself incapacitated and unable to react in time. Helplessly, he bore the brunt of the incoming onslaught of ground fragments, succumbing to their impact and subsequently tumbling to the ground. The force of the blow dragged him across a considerable distance, his control over the situation slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Ika's countenance displayed an unmistakable expression of unwillingness, a testament to the internal struggle of a proud member of the Uchiha clan who now found himself defeated by the enigmatic hands of an unknown old man. Despite the inner resistance, he couldn't escape the harsh reality that unfolded before him. The impact from a ground piece, dispatched with force by Kratos, inflicted injuries that proved insurmountable. Finally succumbing, Ika could no longer hold back and, like his two Uchiha Clan companions, coughed up blood before slipping into unconsciousness.

The turmoil unleashed by Kratos' clash with the Uchiha clan members reverberated through the immediate surroundings, catching the keen attention of Anbu ninjas engaged in patrol duties. Not only did it draw the eyes of the Anbu ninjas, but it also piqued the interest of Uchiha Hikaku, the venerable Clan head of the Uchiha Clan and captain of the Konoha police force.

As the Anbu ninjas saw Kratos, a subtle bow was extended as a gesture of acknowledgment and respect. Maintaining their silence, they tactfully retreated, recognizing that this altercation fell beyond the scope of their responsibilities and squarely within the domain of the conflict between Kratos and the Uchiha Clan.

In response to the courteous bow from the Anbu ninjas, Kratos merely nodded, offering a casual and affirmative "Hmm" to acknowledge their presence.

Kratos turned his gaze towards 'The Forest of Death' and uttered, "Gradungr, come out."

It was at this precise moment that Uchiha Hikaku, the prominent figure in charge, finally arrived. The sight of the fallen Uchiha Clan members elicited a chilling expression on his face. Attacking Uchiha Clan members within the secure confines of Konoha sent a stark message, implying a lack of seriousness towards the esteemed clan. However, as Hikaku's eyes landed on Kratos, positioned conspicuously in the center, he couldn't help but squint, his curiosity piqued. Addressing Kratos, he posed a question, "Mr. Kratos, may I know if you were the one who attacked the Konoha police force?"

A simple "Yes" was Kratos's succinct reply.

"Could you enlighten me on the reason? While acknowledging your respectable standing, Mr. Kratos, it remains imperative that an explanation is provided if you've engaged with members of the Konoha police force," Hikaku inquired, his tone measured and seeking clarity.

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